Depends upon the activities of the cerebral cortex, the thalamus & their interrelationship
The ascending RAS, from the lower border of the pons to the ventromedial thalamus
The ascending RAS, from the lower border of the pons to the ventromedial thalamus
The cells of origin of this system occupy a paramedian area in the brainstem
Abnormal change in level of arousal or altered content of a patient's thought processes
Abnormal change in level of arousal or altered content of a patient's thought processes
Change in the level of arousal or alertness
inattentiveness, lethargy, stupor, and coma.
Change in content
“Relatively simple” changes: e.g. speech, calculations, spelling
More complex changes: emotions, behavior or personality
Examples: confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, poor comprehension, or verbal expressive difficulty
Alert (Conscious) - Appearance of wakefulness, awareness of the self and environment
Alert (Conscious) - Appearance of wakefulness, awareness of the self and environment
Lethargy - mild reduction in alertness
Obtundation - moderate reduction in alertness. Increased response time to stimuli.
Stupor - Deep sleep, patient can be aroused only by vigorous and repetitive stimulation. Returns to deep sleep when not continually stimulated.
Coma (Unconscious) - Sleep like appearance and behaviorally unresponsive to all external stimuli (Unarousableunresponsiveness, eyes closed)
The patient, although apparently unconscious, usually shows some response to external stimuli
The patient, although apparently unconscious, usually shows some response to external stimuli
An attempt to elicit the corneal reflex may cause a vigorous contraction of the orbicularis oculi
Marked resistance to passive movement of the limbs may be present, and signs of organic disease are absent
Patients who survive coma do not remain in this state for > 2–3 weeks, but develop a persistent unresponsive state in which sleep–wake cycles return.
Patients who survive coma do not remain in this state for > 2–3 weeks, but develop a persistent unresponsive state in which sleep–wake cycles return.
After severe brain injury, the brainstem function returns with sleep–wake cycles, eye opening in response to verbal stimuli, and normal respiratory control.
Patient is awake and alert, but unable to move or speak.
Patient is awake and alert, but unable to move or speak.
Pontine lesions affect lateral eye movement and motor control
Lesions often spare vertical eye movements and blinking.
Major defect: lack of attention
Major defect: lack of attention
Disorientation to time > place > person
Patient thinks less clearly and more slowly
Memory faulty (difficulty in repeating numbers (digit span)
Misinterpretation of external stimuli
Drowsiness may alternate with hyper -excitability and irritability
Markedly abnormal mental state
Markedly abnormal mental state
Severe confusional state
PLUS Visual hallucinations &/or delusions
(complex systematized dream like state)
Marked: disorientation, fear, irritability, misperception of sensory stimuli
Marked: disorientation, fear, irritability, misperception of sensory stimuli
Pt. out of true contact with environment and other people
Common causes:
Toxins
metabolic disorders
partial complex seizures
head trauma
acute febrile systemic illnesses
To cause coma, as defined as a state of unconsciousness in which the eyes are closed and sleep–wake cycles absent
To cause coma, as defined as a state of unconsciousness in which the eyes are closed and sleep–wake cycles absent
Lesion of the cerebral hemispheres extensive and bilateral
Lesions of the brainstem: above the lower 1/3 of the pons and destroy both sides of the paramedian reticulum
The use of terms other than coma and stupor to indicate the degree of impairment of consciousness is beset with difficulties and more important is the use of coma scales (Glasgow Coma Scale)
The use of terms other than coma and stupor to indicate the degree of impairment of consciousness is beset with difficulties and more important is the use of coma scales (Glasgow Coma Scale)
Individual elements as well as the sum of the score are important.
Individual elements as well as the sum of the score are important.
Hence, the score is expressed in the form "GCS 9 = E2 V4 M3 at 07:35
Generally, comas are classified as:
Severe, with GCS ≤ 8
Moderate, GCS 9 - 12
Minor, GCS ≥ 13.
Glucose, ABG, Lytes, Mg, Ca, Tox, ammonia
Glucose, ABG, Lytes, Mg, Ca, Tox, ammonia
General examination:
General examination:
On arrival to ER immediate attention to:
Airway
Circulation
establishing IV access
Blood should be withdrawn: estimation of glucose # other biochemical parameters # drug screening
Attention is then directed towards:
Attention is then directed towards:
Assessment of the patient
Severity of the coma
Diagnostic evaluation
All possible information from:
Relatives
Paramedics
Ambulance personnel
Bystanders
particularly about the mode of onset
Previous medical history:
Previous medical history:
Epilepsy
DM, Drug history
Clues obtained from the patient's
Clothing or
Handbag
Careful examination for
Trauma requires complete exposure and ‘log roll’ to examine the back
Needle marks
If head trauma is suspected, the examination must await adequate stabilization of the neck.
If head trauma is suspected, the examination must await adequate stabilization of the neck.
Glasgow Coma Scale: the severity of coma is essential for subsequent management.
Following this, particular attention should be paid to brainstem and motor function.
Temperature
Temperature
Hypothermia
Hypopituitarism, Hypothyroidism
Chlorpromazine
Exposure to low temperature environments, cold-water immersion
Risk of hypothermia in the elderly with inadequately heated rooms, exacerbated by immobility.
C/P: generalized rigidity and muscle fasciculation but true shivering may be absent. (a low-reading rectal thermometer is required).
C/P: generalized rigidity and muscle fasciculation but true shivering may be absent. (a low-reading rectal thermometer is required).
Hypoxia and hypercarbia are common.
Treatment:
Gradual warming is necessary
May require peritoneal dialysis with warm fluids.
Hyperthermia (febrile Coma)
Hyperthermia (febrile Coma)
Infective: encephalitis, meningitis
Vascular: pontine, subarachnoid hge
Metabolic: thyrotoxic, Addisonian crisis
Toxic: belladonna, salicylate poisoning
Sun stroke, heat stroke
Coma with 2ry infection: UTI, pneumonia, bed sores.
Hyperthermia or heat stroke
Hyperthermia or heat stroke
Loss of thermoregulation dt. prolonged exertion in a hot environment
Initial ↑ in body temperature with profuse sweating followed by
hyperpyrexia, an abrupt cessation of sweating, and then
rapid onset of coma, convulsions, and death
This may be exacerbated by certain drugs, ‘Ecstasy’ abuse—involving a loss of the thirst reaction in individuals engaged in prolonged dancing.
This may be exacerbated by certain drugs, ‘Ecstasy’ abuse—involving a loss of the thirst reaction in individuals engaged in prolonged dancing.
Other causes
Tetanus
Pontine hge
Lesions in the floor of the third ventricle
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Malignant hyperpyrexia with anaesthetics.
Heat stroke neurological sequelae
Heat stroke neurological sequelae
Paraparesis.
Cerebellar ataxia.
Dementia (rare)
Pulse
Pulse
Bradycardia: brain tumors, opiates, myxedema.
Tachycardia: hyperthyroidism, uremia
Blood Pressure
High: hypertensive encephalopathy
Low: Addisonian crisis, alcohol, barbiturate
Skin
Skin
Injuries, Bruises: traumatic causes
Dry Skin: DKA, Atropine
Moist skin: Hypoglycemic coma
Cherry-red: CO poisoning
Needle marks: drug addiction
Rashes: meningitis, endocarditis
Pupils
Pupils
Size, inequality, reaction to a bright light.
An important general rule: most metabolic encephalopathies give small pupils with preserved light reflex.
Atropine, and cerebral anoxia tend to dilate the pupils, and opiates will constrict them.
Structural lesions are more commonly associated with pupillary asymmetry and with loss of light reflex.
Structural lesions are more commonly associated with pupillary asymmetry and with loss of light reflex.
Midbrain tectal lesions : round, regular, medium-sized pupils, do not react to light
Midbrain nuclear lesions: medium-sized pupils, fixed to all stimuli, often irregular and unequal.
Cranial n III distal to the nucleus: Ipsilateral fixed, dilated pupil.
Pons (Tegmental lesions): bilaterally small pupils, {in pontine hge, may be pinpoint, although reactive} assess the light response using a magnifying glass
Pons (Tegmental lesions): bilaterally small pupils, {in pontine hge, may be pinpoint, although reactive} assess the light response using a magnifying glass
The oculocephalic (doll's head) response rotating the head from side to side and observing the position of the eyes.
The oculocephalic (doll's head) response rotating the head from side to side and observing the position of the eyes.
If the eyes move conjugately in the opposite direction to that of head movement, the response is positive and indicates an intact pons mediating a normal vestibulo-ocular reflex
Caloric oculovestibular responses These are tested by the installation of ice-cold water into the external auditory meatus, having confirmed that there is no tympanic rupture.
Caloric oculovestibular responses These are tested by the installation of ice-cold water into the external auditory meatus, having confirmed that there is no tympanic rupture.
A normal response in a conscious patient is the development of nystagmus with the quick phase away from the stimulated side This requires intact cerebropontine connections
Odour of breath
Odour of breath
Acetone: DKA
Fetor Hepaticus: in hepatic coma
Urineferous odour: in uremic coma
Alcohol odour: in alcohol intoxication
Respiration
Respiration
Cheyne–Stokes respiration: (hyperpnoea alternates with apneas) is commonly found in comatose patients, often with cerebral disease, but is relatively non-specific.
Rapid, regular respiration is also common in comatose patients and is often found with pneumonia or acidosis.
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
Central neurogenic hyperventilation
Brainstem tegmentum (mostly tumors):
↑ PO2, ↓ PCO2, and
Respiratory alkalosis in the absence of any evidence of pulmonary disease
Sometimes complicates hepatic encephalopathy
Apneustic breathing
Apneustic breathing
Brainstem lesions Pons may also give with a pause at full inspiration
Ataxic:
Medullary lesions: irregular respiration with random deep and shallow breaths
Motor function
Motor function
Particular attention should be directed towards asymmetry of tone or movement.
The plantar responses are usually extensor, but asymmetry is again important.
The tendon reflexes are less useful.
The motor response to painful stimuli should be assessed carefully (part of GCS)
Painful stimuli: supraorbital nerve pressure and nail-bed pressure. Rubbing of the sternum should be avoided (bruising and distress to the relatives)
Painful stimuli: supraorbital nerve pressure and nail-bed pressure. Rubbing of the sternum should be avoided (bruising and distress to the relatives)
Patients may localize or exhibit a variety of responses, asymmetry is important
Flexion of the upper limb with extension of the lower limb (decorticate response) and extension of the upper and lower limb (decerebrate response) indicate a more severe disturbance and prognosis.
Flexion of the upper limb with extension of the lower limb (decorticate response) and extension of the upper and lower limb (decerebrate response) indicate a more severe disturbance and prognosis.
Unequal pupils
Unequal pupils
Deviation of the eyes to one side
Facial asymmetry
Turning of the head to one side
Unilateral hypo-hypertonia
Asymmetric deep reflexes
Unilateral extensor plantar response (Babinski)
Unilateral focal or Jacksonian fits
Head and neck
Head and neck
The head
Evidence of injury
Skull should be palpated for depressed fractures.
The ears and nose: haemorrhage and leakage of CSF
The fundi: papilloedema or subhyaloid or retinal haemorrhages
Neck: In the presence of trauma to the head, associated trauma to the neck should be assumed until proven otherwise.
Neck: In the presence of trauma to the head, associated trauma to the neck should be assumed until proven otherwise.
Positive Kernig's sign : a meningitis or SAH. If established as safe to do so, the cervical spine should be gently flexed
Neck stiffness may occur:
↑ ICP
incipient tonsillar herniation
Cerebrovascular disease is a frequent cause of coma.
Cerebrovascular disease is a frequent cause of coma.
Mechanism:
Impairment of perfusion of the RAS
With hypotension
Brainstem herniation ( parenchymal hge, swelling from infarct, or more rarely, extensive brainstem infarction)
Loss of consciousness is common with SAH
Loss of consciousness is common with SAH
only about 1/2 of patients recover from the initial effects of the haemorrhage.
or subsequent herniation and brainstem compression.
Cerebellar haemorrhage or infarct with
Subsequent oedema
Direct brainstem compression, early decompression can be lifesaving.
The critical blood flow in humans required to maintain effective cerebral activity is about 20 ml/100 g/min and any fall below this leads rapidly to cerebral insufficiency.
The critical blood flow in humans required to maintain effective cerebral activity is about 20 ml/100 g/min and any fall below this leads rapidly to cerebral insufficiency.
Neuropathologically: fibrinoid necrosis, arteriolar thrombosis, microinfarction, and cerebral oedema (failure of autoregulation)
Mass effects: tumours, abscesses, haemorrhage, subdural, extradural haematoma, brainstem herniation→ distortion of the RAS.
Mass effects: tumours, abscesses, haemorrhage, subdural, extradural haematoma, brainstem herniation→ distortion of the RAS.
C/P: depends on normal variation in the tentorial aperture, site of lesion, and the speed of development.
Herniation and loss of consciousness Lesions located deeply, laterally, or in the temporal lobes > located at a distance, such as the frontal and occipital lobes.
Herniation and loss of consciousness Lesions located deeply, laterally, or in the temporal lobes > located at a distance, such as the frontal and occipital lobes.
Rate of growth: slowly growing tumours may achieve a substantial size and distortion of cerebral structure without impairment of consciousness, in contrast to small rapidly expanding lesions
Central herniation involves downward displacement of the upper brainstem
Central herniation involves downward displacement of the upper brainstem
Uncal herniation in which the medial temporal lobe herniates through the tentorium
Central herniation: small pupils are followed by midpoint pupils, and irregular respiration gives way to hyperventilation as coma deepens.
Central herniation: small pupils are followed by midpoint pupils, and irregular respiration gives way to hyperventilation as coma deepens.
Uncal herniation: a unilateral dilated pupil, due to compression of the III nerve, and asymmetric motor signs. As coma deepens, the opposite pupil loses the light reflex and may constrict briefly before enlarging.
Rarely, Upward herniation can occur with posterior fossa masses
The leading cause of death below the age of 45, head injury accounts for 1/2 of all trauma deaths
A major cause of patients presenting with coma.
A history is usually available and, if not, signs of injury such as bruising of the scalp or skull fracture lead one to the diagnosis
Alcohol on the breath provides a direct clue to a cause of coma, evidence of head injury need not necessarily imply that this is the cause.
Alcohol on the breath provides a direct clue to a cause of coma, evidence of head injury need not necessarily imply that this is the cause.
Epileptic seizure, may have resulted in a subsequent head injury
Damage can be diffuse or focal.
Damage can be diffuse or focal.
Rotational forces of the brain cause surface cortical contusions and even lacerations, most obvious frontotemporally because of the irregular sphenoidal wing and orbital roof.
Subdural bleeding due to tearing of veins
Diffuse axonal injury is now seen as the major consequence of head injury and associated coma.
Mild degrees of axonal injury also occur with concussion and brief loss of consciousness
Secondary damage can occur from parenchymal haemorrhage, brain oedema, and vascular dilatation, all of which will lead to ↑ICP→ ↓perfusion pressure, which can be accentuated by systemic hypoxia and blood loss.
Secondary damage can occur from parenchymal haemorrhage, brain oedema, and vascular dilatation, all of which will lead to ↑ICP→ ↓perfusion pressure, which can be accentuated by systemic hypoxia and blood loss.
Subdural and extradural haematomata may cause impairment of consciousness following apparent recovery are important to diagnose, as they are readily treatable surgically.
Systemic infections may result in coma as an event secondary to metabolic and vascular disturbance or seizure activity.
Systemic infections may result in coma as an event secondary to metabolic and vascular disturbance or seizure activity.
Meningitis: the onset is usually subacute, intense headache, associated with fever and neck stiffness. meningococcal meningitis may be rapid in onset
Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the changes in the CSF, from which it may be possible to isolate the causative organism.
Diagnosis is confirmed by identifying the changes in the CSF, from which it may be possible to isolate the causative organism.
Prompt treatment of acute meningitis is, however, imperative and may precede diagnostic confirmation.
Encephalitis: usually subacute, and often associated with fever and/or seizures, herpes simplex encephalitis may be explosive at onset, leading to coma within a matter of hours Treatment with aciclovir, precedes definitive diagnosis.
Parasitic infections
Parasitic infections
Cerebral malaria
25 % mortality rate.
Associated with 2–10 % of cases of infection with Plasmodium falciparum.
C/P: acute profound mental obtundation or psychosis, leading to coma with extensor plantar responses
CSF: may show increased protein, characteristically there is no pleocytosis
Hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis, which may contribute to the coma.
Hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis, which may contribute to the coma.
Treatment: intravenous quinine.
Steroids, which were at one time prescribed widely for oedema, are now contraindicated as they prolong the coma.
Septic patients
Septic patients
Commonly develop an encephalopathy.
In some patients this can be severe, with a prolonged coma.
Lumbar puncture in such patients is usually normal or only associated with a mildly elevated protein level.
EEG is valuable and is abnormal, ranging from diffuse theta through to triphasic waves and suppression or burst-suppression
Although there is a high mortality, there is the potential for complete reversibility
Although there is a high mortality, there is the potential for complete reversibility
Presence of coma should not prevent an aggressive approach to management of such patients including, for example, haemodialysis to deal with acute renal failure
The patient is known to be suffering from liver failure
The patient is known to be suffering from liver failure
May occur in patients with chronic liver failure and portosystemic shunting (In these cases jaundice may be absent)
Precipitation: GIT hge, infection, certain diuretics, sedatives, analgesics, general anaesthesia, high-protein food or ammonium compounds
Precipitation: GIT hge, infection, certain diuretics, sedatives, analgesics, general anaesthesia, high-protein food or ammonium compounds
Subacute onset, although it can be sudden, with an initial confusional state often bilateral asterixis or flapping tremor.
Asterixis, a -ve myoclonus jerk, results in sudden loss of a maintained posture. elicited by asking the subject to maintain extension at the wrist
As coma supervenes, there is often decerebrate and/or decorticate posturing with extensor plantar responses
Diagnosis: signs of liver disease hepatic fetor, and biochemical evidence of disturbed liver function. EEG with paroxysms of bilaterally synchronous slow waves in the delta range or with occasional triphasic waves
The disturbance of consciousness due to raised ammonia, and indeed treatments to reduce ammonia
The disturbance of consciousness due to raised ammonia, and indeed treatments to reduce ammonia
endogenous benzodiazepine ligands may contribute to the hepatic coma, benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil, in hepatic coma would support this view
May occur in acute or chronic renal failure
May occur in acute or chronic renal failure
Raised blood urea alone cannot be responsible for the loss of consciousness but the
Metabolic acidosis, electrolyte disturbances and Water intoxication due to fluid retention may be responsible
Early symptoms Headache, vomiting, dyspnoea, mental confusion, drowsiness or restlessness, and insomnia
Early symptoms Headache, vomiting, dyspnoea, mental confusion, drowsiness or restlessness, and insomnia
Later muscular twitchings, asterixis, myoclonus, and generalized convulsions are likely to precede the coma.
↑ blood urea or creatinine establishes the diagnosis (DD hypertensive encephalopathy)
Dialysis may develop iatrogenic causes of impaired consciousness.
Dialysis may develop iatrogenic causes of impaired consciousness.
Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome
Is a temporary, self-limiting disorder, but it can be fatal
More common in children and during rapid changes in blood solutes. Rapid osmotic shift of water into the brain is the main problem
accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness before drowsiness and marked somnolence.
accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, and restlessness before drowsiness and marked somnolence.
It can occur during or just after dialysis treatment, but resolves in 1 or 2 days
progression to seizures, myoclonus, asterixis, and focal neurological signs
terminally, there may be coma
EEG: paroxysmal bursts of irregular, generalized spike and wave activity.
EEG: paroxysmal bursts of irregular, generalized spike and wave activity.
has been attributed to the neurotoxic effects of aluminium: aluminium-containing antacids and a high aluminium content in the water
Reached its peak prevalence in the mid 1970s, before preventive action was taken.
Subacute onset with late development of coma.
Subacute onset with late development of coma.
Marked ketoacidosis, usually above 40 mmol/l, together with ketonuria.
Secondary lactic acidosis (DD severe anoxia or methyl alcohol or paraldehyde poisoning)
Patients are dehydrated, rapid, shallow breathing, occasionally acetone on the breath.
The plantar responses are usually flexor until coma supervenes.
More commonly seen in the elderly.
More commonly seen in the elderly.
Coma is more common than with ketoacidosis.
Profound cellular dehydration, risk of developing cerebral venous thrombosis, which may contribute to the disturbance of consciousness.
It may be induced by drugs, acute pancreatitis, burns, and heat stroke
Much more rapid onset.
Much more rapid onset.
Symptoms appear with blood sugars of less than 2.5 mmol/l
Initially autonomic: sweating and pallor, and then inattention and irritability progressing to stupor, coma, and frequent seizures.
May present with a focal onset (hemiparesis)
Plantar responses are frequently extensor.
Patients may be hypothermic.
Diagnosis of Hypoglycemic Coma:
Diagnosis of Hypoglycemic Coma:
The patient is known to be taking insulin.
Spontaneous hypoglycaemia with insulinomas are usually diagnosed late.
There may be a long history of intermittent symptoms and in relation to fasting or exercise.
May also be precipitated by hepatic disease, alcohol intake, hypopituitarism, and Addison's disease
Treatment:
Treatment:
Glucose, together with thiamine
Unless treated promptly, hypoglycaemia results in irreversible brain damage. Cerebellar Purkinje cells, the cerebral cortex, and particularly the hippocampus and basal ganglia are affected
Dementia and a cerebellar ataxia are the clinical sequelae of inadequately treated hypoglycaemia.
Rare cause of coma and is the result of hypoglycaemia, hypotension, hypothermia, and impaired adrenocortical function
Rare cause of coma and is the result of hypoglycaemia, hypotension, hypothermia, and impaired adrenocortical function
History of fatigue, occasionally depression and loss of libido
Patients are very sensitive to infections and to sedative drugs, which often precipitate impaired consciousness.
Pituitary apoplexy Acute onset of hypopituitarism occurs with haemorrhagic infarction in pre-existing tumours, patients present with impaired consciousness, meningism, and opthalmoplegia
Mental symptoms are common, with headaches, poor concentration, and apathy; this is frequently diagnosed as depression.
Mental symptoms are common, with headaches, poor concentration, and apathy; this is frequently diagnosed as depression.
With progression there is increasing somnolence and, patients become sensitive to drugs and infections.
These and cold weather, particularly in the elderly, may precipitate myxoedemic coma.
Myxoedemic coma has a high mortality and is associated with hypoglycaemia and hyponatraemia.
Myxoedemic coma has a high mortality and is associated with hypoglycaemia and hyponatraemia.
low-reading thermometer to detect hypothermia
Treatment: support of ventilation and blood pressure and cautious correction of the thyroid deficiency with tri-iodothyronine
‘Thyroid storm’ with agitated delirium, which can progress to coma, may have bulbar paralysis
Apathetic form of thyrotoxicosis: particularly the elderly, with depression leading to apathy, confusion, and coma without any signs of hypermetabolism
Mental changes are common in Addison's disease and secondary hypoadrenalism.
Undiagnosed Addison's disease is frequently associated with behavioural changes and fatigue.
Infection or trauma may precipitate coma and associated hypotension, hypoglycaemia, and dehydration
Tendon reflexes are often absent
Tendon reflexes are often absent
↑ ICP, papilloedema
Friedrichsen–Waterhouse syndrome acute adrenal failure due to meningococcal septicaemia a cause of sudden coma in infants.
Acute adrenal failure due to HIV infection can occur
Hypercalcaemia
Hypercalcaemia
Mental confusion, apathy, often with headache. If severe, stupor and even coma.
Causes: metastatic bone disease, including multiple myeloma
Hypocalcaemia
Primarily affects the peripheral nervous system, with tetany and sensory disturbance
It can be associated with ↑ICP and papilloedema
Hypomagnesaemia
Hypomagnesaemia
Inadequate intake and prolonged parenteral feeding,
Overshadowed by other metabolic disturbances, including hypocalcaemia, but can give rise to a similar clinical picture.
Hypermagnesaemia
Renal insuf., overzealous replacement of mag and its use (in eclampsia) can give rise to mag intoxication, with major CNS depression.
Poisoning, drug abuse, and alcohol intoxication accounting for up to 30 % of those presenting through accident and emergency departments.
80 % require only simple observation in their management.
The most commonly drugs in suicide attempts are :
The most commonly drugs in suicide attempts are :
Benzodiazepines
Paracetamol
antidepressants.
Narcotic overdoses (heroin)
Pinpoint pupils
Shallow respirations , needle marks.
The coma is easily reversible with naloxone
Solvent abuse and glue sniffing should be considered in the undiagnosed patient with coma.
Solvent abuse and glue sniffing should be considered in the undiagnosed patient with coma.
Drugs may also result in disturbed consciousness due to
secondary metabolic derangement
the acidosis associated with ethylene glycol and carbon monoxide poisoning
Alcohol intoxication
Alcohol intoxication
Apparent from the history, flushed face, rapid pulse, and low blood pressure. The smell of alcohol on the breath.
Intoxicated are at increased risk of hypothermia and of head injury can be the cause of coma.
At low plasma concentrations of alcohol, mental changes, at higher levels, coma ensues, >350 mg/dl may prove fatal.
Common cause of coma, with a period of unconsciousness following a single generalized seizure commonly lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
Common cause of coma, with a period of unconsciousness following a single generalized seizure commonly lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.
Following status epilepticus, there may be a prolonged period of coma. History, trauma to the tongue or inside of the mouth.
Seizures secondary to metabolic disturbances may have a longer period of coma.
PMLE
severe end-stage multiple sclerosis.
Prion disease may lead to coma over a short period of 6–8 weeks, but this is following a progressive course of widespread neurological disturbance.
In the second half of pregnancy and represents a failure of autoregulation, with raised blood pressure.
In the second half of pregnancy and represents a failure of autoregulation, with raised blood pressure.
Neuropathologically: there are ring haemorrhages around occluded small vessels with fibrinoid deposits.
CP: seizures, cortical blindness, and coma.
CP: seizures, cortical blindness, and coma.
Management: control of convulsions and raised blood pressure. Parental magnesium is commonly employed, may give rise to hypermagnesaemia.
Postpartum complications of pregnancy cerebral angiitis and venous sinus thrombosis, may also lead to coma
At presentation blood will be taken for determination of glucose, electrolytes, liver function, calcium, osmolality, and blood gases.
At presentation blood will be taken for determination of glucose, electrolytes, liver function, calcium, osmolality, and blood gases.
Blood should also be stored for a subsequent drug screen if needed
Following the clinical examination, a broad distinction between a metabolic cause, with preserved pupillary responses, or a structural cause of coma is likely to have been established
Following the clinical examination, a broad distinction between a metabolic cause, with preserved pupillary responses, or a structural cause of coma is likely to have been established
Although most patients with coma will require CT scanning, or indeed all with persisting coma, clearly this is of greater urgency when a structural lesion is suspected
In the absence of focal signs, but with evidence of meningitis, a lumbar puncture may need to be performed before scanning, as a matter of clinical urgency.
In the absence of focal signs, but with evidence of meningitis, a lumbar puncture may need to be performed before scanning, as a matter of clinical urgency.
In other situations, lumbar puncture should be delayed until after the brain scan because of the risk of precipitating a pressure cone secondary to a cerebral mass lesion
All patients will require chest radiography and ECG, detailed investigations of systemic disease will be directed by the clinical examination.
All patients will require chest radiography and ECG, detailed investigations of systemic disease will be directed by the clinical examination.
The EEG is of value in identifying the occasional patient with subclinical status epilepticus, and is clearly of value in assessing the patient who has been admitted following an unsuspected seizure
Fast activity is commonly found with drug overdose and slow wave abnormalities with metabolic and anoxic coma.
Fast activity is commonly found with drug overdose and slow wave abnormalities with metabolic and anoxic coma.
An isoelectric EEG may occur with drug-induced comas, but otherwise indicates severe cerebral damage.
Treatment of the underlying cause
Treatment of the underlying cause
Maintenance of normal physiology: respiration, circulation, and nutrition
Patient should be nursed on his or her side without a pillow
Attention will clearly need to be paid to the airway, requiring an oral airway as a minimum
Intubation, if coma is prolonged, tracheostomy
Intubation, if coma is prolonged, tracheostomy
Retention or incontinence of urine will require catheterization
Intravenous fluid is necessary and, if coma persists, adequate nutrition is required.
Care of Skin, frequent changing of position, special mattress, avoid urine and stool soiling and good care of bed sores
In general, coma carries a serious prognosis.
In general, coma carries a serious prognosis.
This is dependent to a large extent on the underlying cause.
Coma due to depressant drugs carries an excellent prognosis provided that resuscitative and supportive measures are available and no anoxia has been sustained
Metabolic causes, apart from anoxia, carry a better prognosis than structural lesions and head injury
Length of coma and increasing age are of poor prognostic significance.
Length of coma and increasing age are of poor prognostic significance.
Brainstem reflexes early in the coma are an important predictor of outcome
in general, the absence of pupillary light and corneal reflexes 6 hours after the onset of coma is very unlikely to be associated with survival
The chronic vegetative state usually carries a uniformly poor prognosis, although a partial return of cognition, or even restoration to partial independence, has been reported very rarely.
The chronic vegetative state usually carries a uniformly poor prognosis, although a partial return of cognition, or even restoration to partial independence, has been reported very rarely.
Although unassociated with coma, the ‘locked-in’ syndrome also carries a poor prognosis, with only rare recoveries reported.
